Mirror. Mirror.
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which turns humans into vampires. When venom hits the bloodstream, it triggers
the transformation process. Bella describes the venom as a “scalding pain” and a
“fire” that does not stop {Twilight 454). The venom erases the human blemishes,
flaws, and imperfections, so that the person is essentially bom anew as a
vampire. The skin, which is prone to aging and wrinkles, becomes frozen in time
and sparkles in the sun “like thousands of tiny diamonds” are “embedded in the
surface” {Twilight 260). Bella observes this in Edward, who she further states is
“a perfect statue, carved in some unknown stone, smooth like marble, glittering
like crystal” {Twilight 260). Edward’s description as “a perfect statue” with skin
“smooth like marble...perfect texture, satin smooth” is similar to a person that
has undergone Botox, where their skin becomes smooth and frozen, like a statue
{Twilight 260).
While Edward’s vampire skin is beautiful because it is unnatural, Bella’s
attractiveness stems from her scent, heightening the desire for the taste of her
blood. Edward tells Bella, “you are exactly my brand of heroin,” emphasizing
the allure her blood has for him {Twilight 268). Bella’s blood further contributes
to the sensuality of the novels because her blood manifests itself as a scent
which in return brings Edward physically closer to Bella by arousing his senses.
Bella often says how she